To Reduce Hysterectomy-Related Readmissions, Target Those at Risk

When a woman undergoes a hysterectomy or oophorectomy for a gynecologic cancer, her likelihood of unplanned readmission hinges on a multitude of factors, both external and personal.

Such revolving-door visits — ones that in many cases can be avoided — cost hospitals money and result in lower patient satisfaction. In some cases, too, they put patients at unnecessary risk that could jeopardize their recovery.

“When most people go back to the hospital or their physician (for a scheduled exam after surgery), it’s usually after two weeks,” says  lead author and IHPI member Shitanshu Uppal, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

Given that timetable and the potential of early trouble, that’s often too late, he says.